A Brief History Of Patio Doors Repair History Of Patio Doors Repair
Patio Doors Repair - How to Fix a Wet Dog and Save Your Dog From Cold, Wet Feet
Patio doors can provide a convenient and comfortable transition between your indoor and outdoor space. By keeping the air inside your home, they can help you save cash on cooling or heating bills.
Over time the shine of your sliding glass or French door will fade. Fortunately, simple fixes can keep them looking and functioning as new.
Weatherstripping
You're walking your dog to the park around 5 AM, and you end up into a puddle near your sliding patio door. You look around and discover that the rain from last night blew in through the patio door seals. This is not going to be an easy task. With a bit of patience and a few tools, you can fix this and keep your dog safe from wet, cold feet in the process.
It is crucial to replace the weatherstripping, which seals off the gap between your door and jamb. This will stop drafts, pests and moisture. It also helps keep your energy bills down. A quick inspection of your windows or doors will tell you whether the weatherstripping is in good condition or needs replacement.
There are a variety of weatherstripping available that include open-cell and felt foam, vinyl and thermoplastic rubber, and metals like copper or bronze. Each has its pros and drawbacks. Felt and open cell foam are both inexpensive, but they tend to be ineffective and visible when blocking airflow. Vinyl is more costly, but it's durable and resistant to moisture. Rubber is a great material for high-traffic areas because it doesn't wear out as easily.
For installing new weatherstripping, you must first remove the doors to the frame using a screwdriver to loosen the screws that adjust the rollers. Then, using a flathead screwscrew, unscrew plugs that hold the weatherstripping to the bottom of frame. Remove the weatherstripping you have previously removed from the frame, and then remove any adhesive residue. Then, cut the replacement to the proper length, peel back the plastic strip on the other side and attach it to the jamb using the putty knife.
Reinstall the door and adjust the roller screws to ensure it is properly seated in the track. Apply caulk that is waterproof where the stationary panel obstructs the sliding doors and where the edge of the panel meets the frame. This is not a more secure seal than weatherstripping, however it will work for some time.
Handles and Locks
Patio door handles and locks are crucial to the security of your home. As time passes, they could become worn or damaged and require replacement. In addition, the spindle that connects the exterior and interior handles could also need to be replaced.
To replace the handle on the patio door, take out the old one first, dislodging any screws that held it in the place. Once the old handle has been removed using a level, ensure that the door is straight prior to installing the new handle. If the door isn't straight it can interfere with the lock. This could cause issues in the future.
Close and open the handle several times after installing it to make sure it is working properly. If you encounter any issues, consult the manufacturer's instructions or a hardware specialist for assistance. To avoid problems in the future, it is a good idea to also lubricate your lock mechanism with silicone-based lubricant.
The most common patio door lock is the mortise latch. It is usually made of steel and fits in a pocket that has been cut into the frame of the door. These locks are commonly used on sliding doors made of aluminum or wood. When replacing a mortise lock, it's important to take a few measurements before ordering a new one. The measurements you require include the mounting hole locations and the location of the keyway inside the lock.
Some handles for patio doors have an locking mechanism that is built into the handle. The handles have an elongated key cylinder that can be inserted into the handle's keyway. If you have this type of patio door both the inside and exterior locks are combined into one unit. This kind of patio door is often found on sliding aluminum doors.
If your patio door latch doesn't stay latched It could be due to the lock tongue isn't grasping the hasp of the jamb correctly. Another possibility is that your sliding door isn't parallel to the jamb on the side. Open the door one inch and then position it against the frame. This will show you the gap between the jamb and the door. If there is, adjust sliding glass patio door repair Repair My Windows And Doors on the left or right sides of the patio door to make it perfectly parallel with the jamb.
Misalignment
As time passes, the door's tracks and rollers may lose their proper alignment. This can cause the doors to become stuck or difficult to move. This can also let cold air and draughts into your home, which reduces the efficiency of your energy. Misalignment can be easily fixed and prevented. Applying a silicone-based grease to the rollers and tracks will help your doors move again. This is a good idea for those who want to keep your doors operating at their peak.
A torn screen can also be an issue. It could cause inconvenience or even risky. Additionally, it could stop doors from opening and closing properly, which can lead to loss of energy. In some cases the damaged screen can be replaced, but in others it's necessary to replace the entire door. If you're experiencing a tear in your screen, wash it thoroughly and be sure not to turn the handles of the door the wrong way when you open and close the door.
Over time, hinges may loosen due to wear and tear or heavy usage. This can be fixed by regularly tightening screws. This is an easy task which you can perform yourself, but if not sure about it, consult a professional to ensure your doors are securely aligned and secure.
You should also clean the rollers and tracks of your patio doors on a regular basis. Simple vacuuming or brushing will take away dust and other debris that could interfere with the smooth operation of your patio doors. You can also employ an instrument specifically designed to clear away stubborn dirt or rust. Inspecting and tightening the hinges' screws can aid in re-alignment but in some cases, it's best to replace them altogether to ensure a solid, durable seal.
The performance and alignment of your patio doors may be affected when the frames are warped or sliding. The warping or shifting may occur due to changes in the foundation of your home, but could be caused by poor installation or due to frequent use. A professional can replace or repair the frame of your patio door, and ensure that it is properly aligned. This will allow it perform at its best.
Rollers
Patio doors that slide open are ideal to let the outside in and providing plenty of light, but they do require some maintenance to ensure they are sliding smoothly. If you find that you need to really yank on the handle to get your door to move, or it just doesn't slide as easily as it used to, the culprit may be the rollers. Over time the lower track may become clogged with dirt, dust, and mud. This makes it difficult for rollers to move. You can try cleaning it and spraying it with a lubricant like 2Slick.
If the tracks have been cleaned, but the rollers are still not sliding freely, it's time to replace them. Replacement rollers are available for your door and track type. They are available at the majority of hardware stores, but you'll need a partner to assist you in the removal and installation of the rollers. Before ordering replacements, get an accurate picture of the roller assembly mounted in the door frame so the experts can identify the specific model and type you need. They can also search for specific characteristics like bumps, dimples and cut-outs and flared edges which can narrow down alternatives for replacement.
After the rollers have been replaced after which you'll have to put your sliding door in its frame. You may need assistance in this regard as the door is heavy. Make sure there are any screws holding the track on either side of the frame. If they are check that they're loose enough to allow the door's bottom to drop into the channel above the frame. If you have a screen door, take it from the opening and make sure that it is free of the track and rollers.
After installing the new rollers, gently slide the door into the frame. Then, you can gently lower it to ensure it is secured. If your rollers are adjustable, you can adjust them to ensure that the door has enough clearance.